Washington, September 18 (QNA) - Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi underscored that the GCC member states have firmly established their position as a reliable partner in supporting peace and stability and ensuring global energy security. He pointed out that the economic progress and diplomatic presence achieved by the GCC reflect an approach founded on assuming responsibility, building partnerships, and striving to ensure that the dividends of stability and prosperity extend to the peoples of the region and the world. 
Albudaiwi's remarks were delivered during his address before the Gulf States Forum at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, United States of America.
"45 years after its establishment, the GCC has become an influential regional organisation. Integration and solidarity among its member states form the bedrock of its work and stances," he explained. 
He also underlined the GCC's steadfast stance on the Palestinian cause, grounded in providing relief to civilians, rejecting forced displacement, and supporting a just settlement based on the two-state solution. 
Regarding energy security, Albudaiwi said: "The GCC states have demonstrated their capacity to meet their commitments under the most challenging circumstances. The GCC handled regional escalations and disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz with restraint and responsibility.",
Moreover, he condemned the continuation of Iranian attacks on neighbouring countries and the resulting escalation and turmoil across the region, stressing that the Strait of Hormuz must not become a bargaining chip. 
He called upon the international community to assume its responsibilities to restore stability and guarantee that the strait remains open to international navigation, in accordance with international law, the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
The GCC Chief highlighted Gulf mediation efforts to bridge viewpoints and pave pathways for dialogue, commending the instrumental role of the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman in keeping communication channels open during confrontations between Iran and the United States, in pursuit of just solutions that address legitimate security concerns and spare the region's peoples further hardship. 
On economic affairs, Albudaiwi stated that GCC countries are undergoing rapid transformation driven by their national visions, diversifying revenue sources, and expanding finance, logistics, industry, tourism, as well as advanced technology sectors. 
"The GCC economy exceeds USD 2.4 trillion, with projections pointing to approximately USD 6 trillion by 2050, while its sovereign wealth funds manage assets approaching USD 5 trillion, reinforcing their pivotal role in financing long-term investments and driving global economic growth," he added. 
Furthermore, the GCC Secretary General affirmed that the GCC-US partnership offers broad horizons for building a knowledge-based economy, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) research, medical sciences, and clean energy. "American universities, including the University of Utah, represent vital partners in qualifying talent and expanding scientific collaboration. (QNA)